RuneScape Forum Archive | ~~English's Forgotten Tales~~

Englishkid62

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I liked fishing: fishing required no advanced planning or complex memory; fishing emptied my mind and it was in fact, rather relaxing. I’d sit there for hours, watching chances come and go.

I waited, very patiently…

The girl fishing next to me swore unreservedly as the fish apparently refused to take her bait. Bad luck, I guess. I had seen her on the shore quite a few times in the past week but I had never managed to speak to her. Personal conducts, I suppose. It wasn’t like me to chat up another girl randomly – we’d have to give credit to the intense boredom I was receiving from both the game and my life when I finally decided to communicate.

“Hello there,” I greeted, but she remained swearing to herself and paid me no attention. Pure rudeness.

“Christine, what is your fishing level?” I asked again. Sometimes it really helped to address another by their name – which was rather convenient in RuneScape since it was all but one click away.

“Hi,” she replied short and crisply. I liked that – that defiance in her voice was, indeed, very interesting to hear. “My fishing level is 99.”

I thought she was lying.

“No, it isn’t. You liar,” I laughed. “Really, what is your real fishing level?”

“99. Look me up on the Hiscores, if you want.” She said casually.

I did, and much to my amazement she was proven right.

“I stand corrected.” I briefly expressed.

"Told you.” She responded coolly, and looked away.

“Any luck today?” I continued, putting up an equally defiant tone and steered my head towards the sea, refusing to make eye-contact. If she liked playing games with me, then I would play along.

“No. Thanks to you,” she blamed. “You scared all my fishes away.”

“Well – I wasn’t making a sound.” I defended myself against this apparently pointless accusation, “I wasn’t the one swearing.”

“Fine. Move then, shall I?” She challenged, preparing to pack her equipment into her backpack.

12-Feb-2011 17:03:09 - Last edited on 02-Apr-2011 11:02:09 by Englishkid62

Englishkid62

Posts: 9,782 Rune Posts by user Forum Profile RuneMetrics Profile

“Oh, no, I don’t think that is necessary,” I added hastily.

“Unless you insist of course.”

Well … that went well. Not. She stayed and stopped swearing as she fished. For a while it amused me to catch her turning around trying to take a glimpse at me – and I pretended I didn't see her, of course: where else would the fun be, otherwise? We sat for about another half an hour, wordlessly, and yet none of our backpacks were filled with fish.

“So … did you have a good day so far?” she asked without looking at me, but the silence was broke, nonetheless. This was a pointless question. It was a poor attempt to try to speak to me, for she had already seen my empty backpack – and that was sure enough to suggest a bad day.

“Not really,” I replied, staring at the sea. "I’ve not caught a fish yet…” This was when Christine began to hold on to her trembling rod so strongly as if it was about to break.

“Look! Here we go!” she smiled triumphantly, as she began to pull a huge creature – a pike three times my own size onto the ground with brute strength. I wondered whether her backpack could fit this monstrous fish. How did she plan to carry it around? Perhaps she needed a hand? If not, she must’ve had level 99 strength or something.

“Wow! How did you manage that?” I exclaimed.

“Well,” she explained as she removed her hook from the fish, roughly – my face was blank in horror and admiration.

“Bigger hooks … come bigger fish.”

“Impressive … looks like I got one now too!” I began to lift my rod, gently pulling a fish the size of my palm out of the sea. Christine laughed, but I was proud.

“Congratulations!” She teased, but her laughter faltered as I collected the fish and placed it in my backpack carefully.

12-Feb-2011 17:03:10 - Last edited on 02-Apr-2011 11:02:31 by Englishkid62

Englishkid62

Posts: 9,782 Rune Posts by user Forum Profile RuneMetrics Profile

“No hooks …no trickery.” I smiled at her. “I never fish with a hook, for I believe that honour is a virtue, you know. This fish was caught with its full consent. It makes you feel better afterwards if you’re being truthful to yourself and others. There is no need to pretend.”

“I’m truly impressed." She stared blankly between me, my backpack and my hook-less fishing rod.

We became good friends that evening, perhaps more. We both desired to be different and change the world at whatever cost, we both desired to stand up and cause an uprising one day. I’d not had a conversation as decent with another for years. Talking to her was one of the most phenomenal experiences I have ever had in my whole life. I admit: I had a really funny feeling about her – as if she was not quite complete. At the same time, it saddened me; I felt pathetic and poignant.

Someone’s unable to come out of his closet…

***

For once I found a love of my own – I guess you could say that. I started dating Christine on RuneScape and would never regret to have done so for my life, not to mention it mattered not how you felt about it, whether you thought it was right or wrong, or whatever opinion you may have for whatever I was doing. To me she was just as real as anyone: sweet, loving and beautiful.

12-Feb-2011 17:03:10 - Last edited on 02-Apr-2011 11:02:44 by Englishkid62

Englishkid62

Posts: 9,782 Rune Posts by user Forum Profile RuneMetrics Profile

What better excuse could I give myself to avoid Sarah than this? I was taken – I really was taken. And people who were taken do not cheat on their partners by seeing someone else. During the next couple of weeks, I was frequently off-sick on a Sunday and stayed home, reducing the number of hours of which Sarah and I could possibly interact. Instead, I talked to Christine on RuneScape while my parents were at church, and we had a little rebellion of our own on the Day of Rest. I would take Christine to an empty land, some place quiet and alone with beautiful scenery, where we were surrounded by garden bushes, and present her five delicate red flowers with a sapphire ring around the stems. She’d look up into my face with tears.

I whispered softly, “Christine I love you.” And she’d reply:

“Danny, I love you more.”

Things were different in college, however. I couldn’t help but wonder to myself: just what was Sarah trying to accomplish? Today, she leant her head on my shoulder in front of everyone and we were now 'officially’ an item without me knowing when it started, when it would finish nor when it was ever the case. By the end of the day I foresaw a huge battle – a final fight between love and convention was inevitable, for I had to solve my problems once and for all.

“…Argh! I can’t just let her keep taking advantage of me, Mum.” She was cooking our dinner as usual when I complained to her ceaselessly, walking in circles in the kitchen as I did so. "It’s like she’s running all over me and I don’t know what to do–”

“Hehe, you’re inexperienced, that’s all.” Mum chuckled.

“That’s not funny, Mum, and it’s not my fault,” I retorted with contempt. “You’ve never let me date.”

12-Feb-2011 17:03:10 - Last edited on 02-Apr-2011 11:03:06 by Englishkid62

Englishkid62

Posts: 9,782 Rune Posts by user Forum Profile RuneMetrics Profile

“You were far too young then,” Mum smiled to herself and resumed frying the vegetables. “Not anymore, Danny. You’re a big boy now. You may be inexperienced but you will never be alone. I know you’ve been ill lately, particularly on Sunday mornings, so I especially prepared some boiled potatoes and some extra salad in the fridge, if you’re hungry.”

“Seriously Mum, what are you trying to say?”

“Come on sweetheart, at your age you shouldn’t be shy about these things anymore,” Mum continued. “What’s wrong with Sarah? She’s neither poor nor stupid–”

I groaned.

“Be grown up about it, okay?” Mum said. “People are different and unique. Everybody is special to God and therefore we should all treat each other as equal beings. There are all sorts of people in the world and we’ll just have to accept the differences between us and the others. Don’t judge too harshly on those that are different, you know, look for the things you have in common. It just makes a better world, you see?"

The doorbell sounded at this point and since Mum was cooking, I knew I had to answer the door. I wondered about what she just told me. Little did I know I was followed and watched in my very own house: she crept behind me tip-toeing like a fox without a hint or sound. As I opened the door, horror filled my face: there stood the person from whom I’d run away for the cost of the world.

At this moment a palm made contact on my back and a strong push almost forced me tumbling out of my own door. Feeling betrayed, I turned back to my Mum in rage.

“Hiiiii, Danny,” Sarah had two arms around me. It was too late. “I thought we might take a walk together.”

“Yes, of course. Please do.” my Mum replied. I was still in disbelief at what had just happened. There was my Mum, still standing at the door to bar my entrance, smiling. “Don’t come back before eight o’clock, Danny, because dinner won’t be ready. Have fun!” As she finished she slammed the door shut, and the door-lock sounded.

12-Feb-2011 17:03:10 - Last edited on 02-Apr-2011 11:03:20 by Englishkid62

Englishkid62

Posts: 9,782 Rune Posts by user Forum Profile RuneMetrics Profile

The evening was bitter cold: going outdoor was the last thing I wanted.

“Danny, let’s go. We have three hours.”

“Nothing physical or bodily, please!” I pleaded to my one and only audience.

“Come.”

She held my hand, and I was pulled.

***

“I didn't know you were dining with us tonight.” I was genuinely surprised to hear this, in fact, because my Mum gave me no prior warning to this event. I couldn’t believe the amounts of deals that were done behind my back. We were returning home after the three-hour long stroll around the neighbourhood and I was glad I had only to surrender my upper body during this despicable ordeal. Sarah got her satisfaction and what she wanted – for now.

"Were you going to dress up for me if you knew I was coming?” She inquired, still clutching to my right arm like a filthy parasite as we walked.

“Mmm … maybe.” I mumbled. Seriously, I probably wouldn’t bother to dress up for her and make myself more presentable than I already was. Indeed, the appearance was what most people cared about these days. Most people cared not the inner-beauty. I wondered what David would’ve felt, if he had always been loved because of his look. It must’ve been a sad and lonely life. What was I to do now? Perhaps I’d dress in my pajamas just to annoy her at the dinner table? Actually, on second thought that wasn’t such a good idea…

After a minute or two I decided it was best not to trouble myself with unnecessary thoughts and keep to my current appearance. I was very hungry by 8 o’clock and I had no energy to waste.

“Danny, aren’t you going to dress up a bit?” We were at the dinner table ready to be served when Mum repeated the topic.

Thinking it was the only convincing response, I replied decisively, “Sarah said I looked fine today.”

12-Feb-2011 17:10:52 - Last edited on 02-Apr-2011 11:03:40 by Englishkid62

Englishkid62

Posts: 9,782 Rune Posts by user Forum Profile RuneMetrics Profile

“I don’t really mind,” Sarah blushed, whilst keeping her hands under the table. I wasn’t exactly in the best of moods that evening, and God knew why – if he even cared, that was. First of all, there was this whole match-making business going on, and secondly, I didn't even like her. Ten minutes ago Sarah was still outside my house…

“So, Sarah, we’d love to be friends and get to know each other a little bit more.” The way Sarah smiled back to my Mum sent a fierce chill down my spine.

An alliance? Oh God.

“What do you like to do in your spare time, Sarah?” Dad inquired. “Any hobbies…?”

“I do like to play volleyball,” Sarah admitted. “And swimming too.”

“In the sport centre?”

“Oh, yes."

"That’s fantastic!” Mum exclaimed.

Blah, Blah, Blah. I didn't bother to follow the rest of that conversation. I wasn’t required to speak and for all I knew I was starving for food. This couldn’t get any worse, but why should I care? It was not like I had a chance to speak up for myself anyway…

“Hey sweetie, you seemed a little bit quiet tonight.” Mum tilted her head in disapproval and smiled apologetically at Sarah. “I’m sorry, Danny has never been out with a girl before. That’s why he’s a bit shy tonight.”

“Mum –!”

“Oooooooooh! He first pulled that face when he was three years old! Do you want to see him – ?” I was rather disturbed by the excitement caused between females when it came to photos, really, “I’ll go get the album – I’ll be right back!”

This was worse than I anticipated. For crying out loud they could be arranging an intensive parental supervision on our wedding night the next minute, for goodness’ sake! It was a comfort when I remembered I had the right to remain silent. Of course, remaining silent had its own downsides, too. The tongueless man would always have his land took.

12-Feb-2011 17:10:53 - Last edited on 02-Apr-2011 11:04:09 by Englishkid62

Englishkid62

Posts: 9,782 Rune Posts by user Forum Profile RuneMetrics Profile

“Awwwwwww!” Sarah exclaimed – I believed she was pointing at me in the photo book, “That is so cute, look at this!” I stepped over and glanced at the photo she indicated. Yes … I was but two years old then, looking happy and was waving at the camera, safe in the arms of my Mum and Dad.

“How nice.” I commented coolly. This photo no longer brought me the warmth, comfort and the feeling of being loved as it once did. At this point, my heart was cold and I wanted to weep. The same arms had thrust me into a despicable place where I never wanted to go. The familiar warmth was no longer felt…

“You know, Danny used to love swimming too – look there!” then Mum told Sarah in her ear, “He would go swimming with you if it wasn’t for that game he goes on all day.”

Would I? I thought. Most definitely not! It would be impossible for me to walk around, making exhibitions of my own body in front of Sarah, let alone participating in such a ridiculously exposed activity – swimming. The very thought of it made me sick. It was horrible, and embarrassing.

“Cool. What game?” Sarah turned and looked at me intriguingly.

“It’s called RuneScape,” I said impatiently. “You won't know it.”

“I play that game too!” She shouted in realization.

“Really? That’s great.” I wanted to die.

“I never quite get how you can get your combat level up, though, do you know?” she asked, “do you kill goblins for money?”

“You have to train if you want to get your levels up.” I added quickly, “for many days and nights – non stop. You have to plan, persevere, endure and commit. It’s an investment and it shows how much you are willing to give.”

“At least you guys have something in common now," Dad remarked briefly.

“Wow. What’s your username?” There was no point in lying to a question like that – she’d just ask again and again.

I told her.

“I’ll add you, and I’ll be on tonight,” She smiled. “Wanna come kill goblins with me?”

12-Feb-2011 17:10:53 - Last edited on 02-Apr-2011 11:04:43 by Englishkid62

Englishkid62

Posts: 9,782 Rune Posts by user Forum Profile RuneMetrics Profile

Somehow I wanted to disappear somewhere – lie down, and never wake up again.

***

“I’m sorry honey, I can’t do this anymore.” It was dreary day, back in the town of Catherby. We were near a farming patch when Christine told me she no longer wanted to be my girlfriend. It was sudden and there was nothing I could do about it. All love seemed to have left me this evening. As always we found an empty hut nearby and talked our hearts out to each other – far from the world’s intervention.

Whilst Sarah kept throwing me meaningless questions through private messages, I tried to concentrate on Christine alone.

“Why not? Are you dumping me?” I was hurt. No one had ever dumped me before, due to the fact that I had no relative experience in this field of study. I was but an uneducated scholar. There had to be a first in everything, I suppose, but tonight was not the greatest time for bad news.

“Yes, I am,” Christine made an attempt to sound resolute but I could feel the sorrow in her voice. “Do you remember the time when you told me that Honour is a virtue?”

“Yeah.”

“I’ve been thinking about it. A lot. I just wanted you to know that I love you too much, Danny, and that I wasn’t being entirely honest with you,” Christine confessed. "It’s not your fault and it’s all mine. I am sorry. It upsets me when I lie to you, you know? All these lies are now weighing on me every time we speak. I can’t do this anymore.”

“What is it that you didn't tell me?”

Pause.

“…Never mind. You don’t want to know.”

“Please, tell me.”

She said nothing. I could tell she was about to cry. It was as if she had always wanted to tell me something all along, and yet a fear, rooted deep inside her, prevented it. She took a deep breath.

12-Feb-2011 17:10:54 - Last edited on 02-Apr-2011 11:05:06 by Englishkid62

Englishkid62

Posts: 9,782 Rune Posts by user Forum Profile RuneMetrics Profile

“I – Christine doesn’t exist, alright? She never did,” Christine said with tears, “My real name is Chris – and I’m not a girl, as you may seem to believe. I’m not the girl you think I am. It pains me to realize you love me without even knowing my real name.”

Silence took the next ten seconds.

"What? Aren’t you going to say anything?” ‘Chris’ said, “I am a guy and I love you. I’ve been fooling you … I’ve been misleading you – for a few weeks already! I lied and I cheated on you. Won’t you say anything in response?”

I just stared blankly at the computer screen. I was awed. Not that I would consider it a form of cheating at all, for cheating required unfaithfulness in one another. Finally, the moment of truth. Too long I have waited for this. Too long.

“I know.” I whispered.

“What?” Chris puzzled.

“I knew you were a boy.”

“Since when?” Chris asked alarmingly.

“I knew you were a boy ever since we first spoke,” I expressed calmly. “What took you so long to come out? I don’t understand why you had to hide yourself for such a long time and pretend your way to get to me. What am I to you? Is my love worth all of this?”

For some reason Chris seemed very angry with me at this moment. He was furious and I guess he didn't like me tricking him, but all I did was simply playing along. Thought he liked it, apparently not. It was his game, after all. I was happy. He was mad.

“You must be from another world,” he said bitterly. “Everyone likes pretty girls and you know that. Everyone likes pretty girls who dressed up like a doll in their shiny, short skirts and red, curly wigs. I am no girl. I am twisted and am cursed with a life living forever alone. I will never be loved. There are girls out there who have two boyfriends and they can simultaneously date another six guys on the same day, and then of course, there is none left for me. There will never be any for me. Never mind lying to other guys – I’d die for their love.”

12-Feb-2011 17:10:54 - Last edited on 02-Apr-2011 11:05:28 by Englishkid62

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~~English's Forgotten Tales~~

English's Forgotten Tales